P&H Motorcycles News & Events

Valentino Rossi to rejoin Yamaha

Valentino Rossi will leave Ducati and rejoin Yamaha at the end of the current MotoGP season, after signing a two-year deal with the Japanese manufacturer.

The Doctor will pull on his Dainese leathers for the Italian outfit for the last time at the Valencia grand Prix in November, after two years.

Rossi will race alongside Jorge Lorenzo for Yamaha in 2013, following the departure of Ben Spies.

The 33-year-old Italian won 46 Grand Prix races and four world titles with Yamaha during a seven-year period.

Lin Jarvis, managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing, described the move as "excellent news" for the team.

"We are able to confirm Valentino Rossi for the next two years. In doing so we have been able to put together the strongest possible team to challenge for victories," he added.

Speculation was fuelled initially when Spies announced on Twitter his decision to leave Yamaha at the end of this season.

Rossi, eighth in the championship standings, has struggled during his two years at Ducati – his last victory was in October 2010.

Lorenzo currently leads as the teams and riders prepare for the second US race of the year at Indianapolis next weekend.

Posted by Marcus Blackburn